PANTANAL – The largest Wetland on planet earth

PANTANAL, the largest contiguous wetland on the planet, declared a World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, is South America's primary wildlife sanctuary. Bordered by three different countries and containing an area of 168.000 km² (60,000 sq. miles), the area is home to countless numbers of birds, reptiles and other animals to delight wildlife watchers and photographers.

Location

An enormous wetland, 10 times the size of the Florida Everglades, situated in the middle of South America, in the State of Mato Grosso, the Pantanal has a rich collection of fauna, captivating tourists from around the world.

The Pantanal’s main attraction, the Transpantaneira Park Road, is located 130km southwest of Cuiabá airport. This destination replete with wooden bridges and dense with caiman and other wildlife, is habitat to more than 800 species of birds. The reserve is also sanctuary to over 250 fish species, 100 types of mammals and 80 different reptiles.

These wetlands are partially covered in rich vegetation which offers camouflage to large numbers of animals, which are not completely obscured from view. From the first moment your car enters the Pantaneira Road in the direction of the lodge, cayman, capybara, egrets, otters and other animals can easily be viewed in the ponds and marsh lakes situated right on both sides of the paved road.

The Lodge

Built in harmony with the environment, without neglecting comfort, the lodge is reachable all year-round by car via the Transpantaneira Park Road, 132 km (82 mi) south of Cuiabá , on a 2:30hs exciting safari-transfer, in air-conditioned vehicle.

From the lodge, it is possible to engage in bird watching, trekking in the pristine forest, canoeing, horseback riding, truck photo-safaris and night tours. Two exciting tree top look- outs offer 12 and 25 meter high vistas of the surrounding region. Expert, naturalist bilingual guides, enrich the experience through their local expertise. FACILITIES: ARARAS ECO LODGE, a rustic, regional construction, offering 19 comfortable air conditioned bedrooms, with private baths (cold and hot shower).

Among its many amenities, the lodge offers its guests traditional regional food, well stocked bar, swimming pool , large verandas with hammocks.

Activities

The ARARAS ECO LODGE offers a variety of activities with low environment impact, rich in adventure and excitement.

TREKKING

Several paths lead visitors in close proximity to luxuriant flora and fauna.

HORSEBACK RIDING

This is an excellent way to discover the open-grass land and forest of the region.